Summary
The 1980s was a decade of change, from the shifting trends in music, film, and fashion to theemergence of the video gameindustry. Animated movies in the 80s became even more ambitious, with artists creating grand fantasy worlds and epic sci-fi adventures. Numerous children’s films were released throughout the decade, with many becoming genre classics. They would bring themes of courage and friendship to younger audiences, depicting beautifully crafted grand adventures.
The 1980s also saw the rise of Japan’s answer to Walt Disney, Hayao Miyazaki, who would have an incredible run of movies that are as popular today as then. Adult animation would also see a rise in popularity, with animated movies taking on darker themes and depicting brutal, often graphic violence. The 80s was a standout year for animation, with many classics remaining timeless favorites for millions of fans.
This unique fantasy anthology animation, squarely aimed at adults, is a bonafide cult classic. With a soundtrack that includes bands such as Black Sabbath, Journey, and Nazareth,Heavy Metalis a must-watch experiencefor all true metalheads.
Adapted fromHeavy Metal Magazine, the film is an epic blend of science fiction and fantasy stories. The different segments are only connected by the theme of an ultimate evil. With plenty of graphic violence and nudity, the film is 80s excess at its most flamboyant. WhileHeavy Metalwill appeal to a much smaller audience than many of the movies on this list, its enduring legacy ensures its place as one of the most memorable animated films of the decade.
An American Tailwas one of the highest-grossing non-Disney animation films of the era. Directed by animation legend Don Bluth, the film revolves around Fievel Mousekewitz, a mouse who immigrates to America from Russia with his family, but gets lost along the way. The film is about his journey to reunite with his family and start a new life.
WhileAn American Tailhad a troubled production, it was well-received on release and won several awards. Its themes around immigration, prejudice, racism, and hardship remain more relevant today. While the film deals with heavy subject matter that may put some children off, its memorable soundtrack and beautiful animation solidify it as one of the best animated movies of the 80s.
This beloved children’s classic follows the story of a group of young dinosaurs who must work togetheracross a deadly landscapeto find the Great Valley. Revolving around a young Apatosaurus named Littlefoot, whose mother was killed by a Tyrannosaurus rex, the film is an uplifting story of courage against adversity.
The Land Before Timecontinued Don Bluth’s exceptional run of animations throughout the 80s and quickly became a critical and financial success. The film would spawn a long-running series of direct-to-video films that continued the story of Littlefoot. However, the originalLand Before Timeremains an all-time animation classic beloved by many.
The Secret of Nimhmarked the directorial debut of Disney animator Don Bluth after leaving the company and forming Don Bluth Productions. Thisdark fantasy classicfollows the story of Mrs Brisby, a field mouse seeking to save her son from illness.
The film delves into themes of courage and family, as the unlikely central hero perseveres to save the ones she loves. The Secret of Nimhwas critically acclaimed on release, with praise being shown for its high-quality animation, story, and depth. It would go on to win the Saturn Award for best animated film.
Released at the very end of the decade,The Little Mermaidis loosely based on Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale. The film follows the story of mermaid Ariel as her dream of living in the human world is granted by the sinister sea witch Ursula.
The Little Mermaidwas Disney’s first animated fairy tale sinceSleeping Beauty(1959) and would mark the beginning of a successful run of movies by the studio during the next decade, which includedBeauty and the Beast(1991) andAladdin(1992).The Little Mermaidis atimeless family classicthat remains popular among children even today. It would win Academy Awards for its score and the songUnder the Sea.
Castle in the Skywas Studio Ghibli’s first feature-length movie and marked the beginning of the studio’s now iconic run of films. Set in a steampunk-like setting, the film follows Sheeta and Pazu in their struggle to escape the army and other forces seeking possession of Sheeta’s necklace. The necklace is the key to Laputa, an advanced flying castle.
Like much of Miyazaki’s work, the film delves into themes around technology and the importance of nature. The film was highly inspired by Miyazaki’s journey across Wales, with much of the region’s architectural style appearing in the film. While not initially successful, the film would garner a large audience worldwide as Studio Ghibli became more renowned outside of Japan.
Widely considered one of the greatest anime movies of all time, this post-apocalyptic fantasy epic was a precursor to Miyazaki’s later work in Studio Ghibli, with many of the themes present in his later works explored here.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Windis set in a futuristic world 1000 years after a nuclear war destroyed civilization. The film follows Nausicaä in her attempts to save the herds of colossal mutant insects from an ancient and deadly weapon. The film perfectly blends fantasy and sci-fi with strong themes of environmentalism, pacifism, and the dangers of war. The filmwould have a big impacton anime in Japan and help to further establish the industry throughout the decade.
One of the greatest anime movies of all time,Akirawouldset the standardfor the genre moving forward. With its highly detailed dystopian world, beautifully animated sequences, and brutal bloody action,Akirais a high point in adult animation.
The film follows Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang, who attempts to save his childhood friend, Tetsuo. After being taken by a secretive military organization, Tetsuo is subjected to experiments where his latent psychic powers are unleashed.Akirablends huge spectacle, frantically paced action, and disturbing body horror amidst a vibrant cyberpunk backdrop. The film’s stunning soundtrack, by composer Shoji Yamashiro, elevates the film even further.Akirais a must-watch movie for all film fans and a timeless sci-fi epic.
This timeless classic is one of the greatest animated movies of the decade. Its beautiful story, stunning animation, and unique characters have made it beloved by millions. The film revolves around Satsuki and Mei, two young girls who have moved to the country with their father after their mother is hospitalized nearby.
They soon discover a magical world of spirits and nature on their doorstep. The character, Totoro, has become a national icon of Japan and is the mascot for Studio Ghibli. The film deals with themes of family, innocence, and imagination, as well as the importance of connecting with nature, which Miyazaki would commonly explore in his movies.My Neighbor Totorois a delightful classic easily enjoyed by the whole family and remains one of Studio Ghibli’s very best.
This landmark animated movie is considered one of the greatest war films of all time and would set a new standard in animation exploring serious themes.Grave of the Firefliesfollows siblings Seita and Setsuko as they attempt to survive the bombings in 1945, during the final few months of the Second World War.
This tragic tale delves into the horrors of war from the perspective of everyday people. It deals with themes of family, love, endurance, and the importance of cooperation and community. The film remains relevant as ever and stands as a warning and reminder of the impact of war on civilians. This important work is a must-watch movie that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
